Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Korea will take the lead in developing international standards to ensure the safety and efficiency of equipment used in eco-friendly fuel ships powered by ammonia and hydrogen. The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS, President Kim Dae-ja) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) announced that it will propose two new international standards at the ISO/TC 8/SC 3 Piping and Machinery Subcommittee Meeting being held in Busan from November 3 to 6.

Global shipbuilders are developing vessels powered by eco-friendly fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen in response to the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s greenhouse gas reduction goals. Building on Korea’s strengths in the shipbuilding sector, the country is leading efforts to standardize core equipment for eco-friendly fuel ships. At this meeting, KATS plans to propose international standards for “Test Procedures for Valves and Heat Exchangers for Ammonia-Fueled Ships.”

Once adopted, the proposed international standards for core equipment are expected to significantly strengthen Korea’s global competitiveness in the ammonia-fueled ship sector, which remains in the early stage of commercialization.

Korean marine equipment manufacturers will continue to focus on developing international standards for key components of eco-friendly fuel ships, including piping systems and storage tanks.

KATS President Kim Dae-ja stated, “It is highly meaningful for Korea to lead the development of core technology standards for future vessels in line with the global push for carbon neutrality. We will continue to enhance Korea’s standardization capabilities for eco-friendly alternative fuel ship technology to help the nation’s shipbuilding and marine equipment industries strengthen their competitiveness in the global market.”